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If your office business equipment includes vintage HP desktop computers that run much slower than your newer HP purchases using Intel’s Turbo-Boost technology, do not junk them just yet. With some free software and a few hours of your time you may be able to get a noticeable performance increase without spending a dime. Just remember to backup all the documents and ancillary data on your HP’s primary drive before overclocking your computer.

1. Download and install a CPU clock adjusting program (see Resources). Since HP purposely makes their BIOS controls that manage clock speed and front-side bus (FSB) settings inaccessible, you need to approach those controls through the operating system or replace the HP BIOS with an OEM version that allows you to use its BIOS settings. The former method requires far less time and expertise. Although all the free overclocking software on the Internet works in essentially the same way, some programs do not work with certain Phase Lock Loop integrated circuits (PLL ICs) that regulate CPU clock and FSB settings. Note the manufacturer and model number of the PLL IC clock-generating chip on your HP motherboard; in most cases you find this chip next to or near the RAM bays on the motherboard.

3. Open your selected overclocking software and increase the clock speed of your CPU slowly in 3 to 5 percent increments until you have increased the speed no more than 20 percent. This is the generally accepted upper limit without making any hardware modifications.

4. Stress test the new CPU settings for 12 to 24 hours using the stress testing software you downloaded in Step 2.

Things Needed

Overclocking and CPU stress testing software

Tips

If you plan to use your overclocked HP desktop for an extended period in your business, consider adding cooling fans and a water-cooled heatsink to maintain stability. To find the ideal software for your PLL IC, check overclocker forums. Make a note of the HP OEM motherboard make and model number -- HP does not manufacture motherboards -- to use as reference when addressing overclocker forums. Much of the available overclocking software on the Internet is free; some charge a small fee but often offer a 30-day free trial with full features except the capability of saving the settings.

If you purchased an HP desktop with an Intel i3, i5 or i7 CPU with their Turbo-Boost technology or an AMD CPU with their Overdrive technology, overclocking capability is built in.

Warning

If your overclocking software uses virtual slide controls to adjust voltage, front-side bus and other settings, adjust them slowly and carefully. A sudden bump up can burn out your CPU in the blink of an eye.

About the Author

Joe Murray began writing professionally in 1980. As a technical writer, he authored white papers and articles for Hewlett Packard and Intel. Since retiring, Murray has written several home-exchange travel articles for KnowYourTrade.com and CHECtravel,com among other outlets. He holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Santa Clara University.